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Students who are in need of repeating a grade early in their educational career oftentimes feel like a failure. While that may be true in this particular grade level, it does not mean that the student is a failure forever. How the student’s parents view this and how they convey their feelings to their child can be beneficial or detrimental. The student will feed off of the parents’ vibes.

In a perfect world, of course, none of us want our children to have to repeat a grade. However, if our viewpoint on this focuses on the positives rather than the setback, our children will be more inclined to use this event as a launch pad towards the rest of their career. The same holds true for the parents. If they choose to use this setback as a launching pad, their child will benefit.

Character education is at the heart of a free and appropriate public education. If this seems commonsense and undisputable, one only has to search local district websites to see vast differences in how schools interpret the meaning, purpose and value of character education. Neighboring districts vary from collaborative initiatives that span from kindergarten through high school, while others make no mention or do not seem to display much effort.

By Chantele Serrano OlivoEarly Childhood Education Major, College of Education

Character is defined by a person’s morals. Grand Canyon University’s College of Education defines character by its motto: learning, leading and serving. As students, we learn in the classroom what we want to be. We lead by example, and serve to a greater height and depth.

By Kellianne HollandEarly Childhood Education Major, College of Education

A classroom is a diverse place where students of different ages, genders, cultures, socio-economic standings and religions all come together to learn. Therefore, it is important for teachers to promote diversity in the classroom. By doing so, students can learn the values of respect, acceptance and community. In addition, teaching tolerance in the classroom will result in students applying their knowledge and education to their homes and communities. Here are four ways to celebrate diversity in your classroom:

As a teacher, it is so important to connect with your students. Not only does this result in a more positive classroom environment, but your students will also be more receptive to your instruction. Here are some simple ways to form meaningful connections with students:

This was the last question that ESPN reporter, Tom Rinaldi, asked of Serena Williams, after she had just won the Ladies Singles Wimbledon Championship.

What did I expect Serena to say? Sixty-nine singles titles. Thirty-six total Grand Slam titles. Twenty-two doubles titles. Six Australian Open titles. Six U.S. Open titles. Three French Open titles. Two mixed doubles titles. Four gold medals. And six Wimbledon titles.

By Nichele Mason, PhDFaculty Supervisor of Student Teaching, College of Education

I dance as reprieve from my inundated work schedule.

During an international convention, a top instructor who has mastered a particular genre of dance and focuses on no other, was selected to be at the helm of the next convention.

The problem?

It empowered someone who did not have experience in other interpretations of dance, as opposed to someone with a broader understanding and application. This snowballed into additional obstacles, such as promoting uniformity instead of individuality. By stifling creativity, an in-depth performance could not be guaranteed.

“Every child can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way.” – George Evans

In my first few years of teaching, I quickly discovered what George Evans’ saying meant and that children become what others believe about them. I would have many conferences with parents and go over grades, share work samples and ask students to join in and share what they had learned.

By Bethany WilsonElementary Education (Emphasis in English) Major, College of Education

Childhood obesity has become a great problem over the years, and something needs to be done in order to protect the next generation from this disastrous attack. Lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits are the biggest factors leading to childhood obesity. So, it is important to implement programs that focus on a healthy style of living into children’s education.

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University.
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